Moving a relatively small load without a driver's license?

August 30, 2008 9:19 AM

Moving Emergency: What would be the best way to move to a different apartment (locally) in Boston if I don't have a driver's license (i.e. can't rent/use UHAUL)?

Okay, so I had a license, recently lost it (just my luck), and now I need a way to move my things to my new apartment (locally in Boston). The thing is I don't have a whole lot of big things: a bed, desk, and dresser are the three big ones; the rest is just a bunch of the typical odds and ends of varying sizes.

Does anyone know if there is a less involved (read 'cheaper') moving service in Boston that I can use to transport these things? Or any other alternatives that I could use for a relatively smaller/medium load on shorter notice (yes, I know, I know, 2 days away!). Note: I don't really personally know anyone who would be able to drive a UHAUL van/truck for me on that day; everyone's pretty busy with their own move or just not around.

posted by the other side to travel & transportation (7 comments total)

Look on Craigslist or Kijiji for something along the lines of "man with a truck".
posted by hungrysquirrels at 9:33 AM on August 30, 2008

I think the New Amsterdam Project cargo bike service is mostly for businesses, but they might be willing to do the odd job.
posted by cocoagirl at 9:49 AM on August 30, 2008

Hiring movers isn't that expensive. When we were in grad school, my wife and I have hired movers to move between our various apartments, and it was shockingly cheap, like two or three hundred bucks.

Contact a moving company, and you may be surprised at how cheap it is.
posted by jayder at 9:49 AM on August 30, 2008

I second the "post it on craig's list", there is someone out there with a pickup truck (which is probably all you need) who would do it for $50 and gas money...
posted by HuronBob at 10:10 AM on August 30, 2008

Hiring movers isn't that expensive.

Normally I'd concur, but September 1st is a huge moving day in Boston. I just moved out of that area; when I was calling around the first week of August, most companies couldn't send an estimator until September, let alone schedule a crew. I suspect this kind of demand also attracts even more scammers than usual.

You might luck out with Craigslist mover, but I would ask around your building, see who else is moving themselves, and offer them some cash to take your stuff to your new place. If that doesn't work, ask your current landlord if he or she can put you in touch with the new tenant and ask if they'd take some money in exchange for you leaving a few things behind for an extra week.
posted by backupjesus at 11:18 AM on August 30, 2008

Is the uhaul issue because they won't rent you one without a license? Because you could buy a friend a nice present to rent the uhaul in their name with your money and help you put your bed and other large things inside, then drive you.
posted by Pants! at 5:56 PM on August 30, 2008

I used "all out moves" last year when I moved. They quoted me $85/hr for a minimum two hours. They did an awesome job, even the (ultimately vain) attempt to fit my big couch into my small apartment. I think they're based in JP?
posted by olinerd at 6:14 PM on August 30, 2008